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Winemaker's Notes:

Plum and blueberry flavors with a touch of dried herb predominate in this soft, rich, mouth filling merlot, and are enhanced by aging in small oak barrels for a toasty, spicy vanilla character, and a lingering berry-cream finish. Drink this satisfying merlot over the next 2 to 4 years.

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Founded in 1959 by Rodney Strong, Rodney Strong Vineyards has one of the richest histories in Sonoma County. It was the first vineyard to plant Chardonnay in Chalk Hill (1965), and the first to release it (1977). It was also the first to plant Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley (1968) and the first to make a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon in Sonoma County (released in 1974).
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Founded in 1959 by Rodney Strong, Rodney Strong Vineyards has one of the richest histories in Sonoma County. It was the first vineyard to plant Chardonnay in Chalk Hill (1965), and the first to release it (1977). It was also the first to plant Pinot Noir in the Russian River Valley (1968) and the first to make a single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon in Sonoma County (released in 1974).
Success didn’t come overnight: hard work and perseverance, coupled with a strong business sense and tender loving care, allowed the vineyard to prosper. When Tom Klein purchased the vineyard in 1989, a major overhaul was planned, and in a short 10 years, sales grew over 600% to 500,000 cases. Today, Rick Sayre, David Ramey, Greg Morthole, and Justin Seidenfeld, winemakers at Rodney Strong Vineyards, source grapes from over 1,000 acres of vines throughout Sonoma County, across 14 estate vineyards from Alexander Valley, the Russian River Valley, Chalk Hill, and Sonoma Coast. All of these high-quality grapes have allowed the winery to become the success that it is today.
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The kirschwasser scent of cherry runs through this wine, with an undercurrent of tannins somewhere between stalks and earth in flavor. Itrsquo;s a light-bodied merlot to partner with slow-roasted lamb shanks.

A fine, ripe Merlot from a dependable producer, this is totally dry, with polished cassis, coffee, green olive and subtle oak notes. It shows a nice balance of modest alcohol and rich, intricate tannins.

Winemaker Rick Sayer has found a nice balance between fruity, blackberry notes and elements of green olives. In the mouth, this yin-yang creates complexity and interest. Ultrasmooth tannins and soft acidity make it velvety.

Plum and blueberry flavors predominate in this soft, rich, mouth filling merlot, and are enhanced by aging in small oak barrels for a toasty, spicy vanilla character, and a lingering berry-cream finish. Drink this satisfying merlot over the next 2 to 4 years.

Lucid aromas of chocolate covered cherries and strawberry preserves are balanced by sweet herbal notes and a touch of cedar. The soft and round mouth feel is opulent with flavors of chocolate, roasted almonds and blackberry. A slight essence of licorice remains on the palate through a long and rich finish.

Tasting Notes:

Plum and blueberry flavors with a touch of dried herb predominate in this soft, rich, mouth filling merlot, and are enhanced by aging in small oak barrels for a toasty, spicy vanilla character, and a lingering berry-cream finish. Drink this satisfying merlot over the next 2 to 4 years.

Plum and blueberry flavors with a touch of dried herb predominate in this soft, rich, mouth filling merlot, and are enhanced by aging in small oak barrels for a toasty, spicy vanilla character, and a lingering berry-cream finish. Drink this satisfying merlot over the next 2 to 4 years.